Method and devices for transferring biological cells between a carrier and a probe

Abstract

A cell transfer method is described, in which transfer of at least one biological cell ( 21 ) describing a natural cell locomotion between a carrier ( 80 ) and a probe ( 10 ) is provided, and whereby positioning the probe ( 10 ) and the carrier ( 80 ) relative to one another in a transfer arrangement is provided, in which transfer of the cell ( 21 ) takes place due to the natural cell locomotion. Probes and cell manipulators for transferring biological cells are also described.

1. A cell transfer method, comprising the steps of:
 positioning of a probe and a carrier relative to one another in a transfer arrangement; and 
 transfer of at least one biological cell between the carrier and the probe, wherein the cell describes a natural cell locomotion and the transfer of the cell takes place due to the natural cell locomotion. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cell is transferred from the carrier to the probe. 
     
     
       3. The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the cell is transferred from a composite with cell material, which is arranged on the carrier, to the probe. 
     
     
       4. The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein properties of the cell are detected with the probe. 
     
     
       5. The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the probe with the cell is removed from the carrier. 
     
     
       6. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cell is transferred from the probe to the carrier. 
     
     
       7. The method as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the cell is conveyed by the probe into cell material arranged on the carrier. 
     
     
       8. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the positioning of the probe and of the carrier into the transfer arrangement takes place such that the probe contacts the carrier. 
     
     
       9. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the positioning of the probe and of the carrier into the transfer arrangement takes place such that the probe is at a distance from the carrier less than or equal to an extension of at least one cell above the carrier. 
     
     
       10. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the transfer arrangement is modified by the probe and the carrier being moved relative to one another. 
     
     
       11. The method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the positioning of the probe and of the carrier into the transfer arrangement takes place such that the probe is at a distance from the cell material arranged on the carrier, and a temporary contact of the cell is made with the carrier or the probe. 
     
     
       12. The method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the probe and the carrier are moved during cell transfer relative to one another with a predetermined advance direction equal to a preferred direction of feed of the probe. 
     
     
       13. The method as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the probe has a longitudinally extending form with a longitudinal direction, which forms the preferred direction of feed. 
     
     
       14. The method as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the probe and the carrier are moved relative to one another for forming the temporary contact or for the cell transfer with a velocity of advance which is less than or equal to a physiological reference velocity of the cell locomotion. 
     
     
       15. The method as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the probe and the carrier are moved relative to one another with a velocity of advance from 0.1 μm/h to 1 mm/h. 
     
     
       16. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining the position of the cell to be transferred on the carrier or the probe prior to cell transfer; and 
 positioning or moving the probe and the carrier relative to one another dependent on a result of the determining step. 
 
     
     
       17. The method as claimed in  claim 16 , further comprising:
 movement detection of the cell to be transferred on the carrier or the probe prior to or during the cell transfer; and 
 positioning or moving the probe and the carrier relative to one another dependent on the movement detection. 
 
     
     
       18. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the transfer step comprises simultaneously or successively transferring a plurality of cells between the carrier and the probe. 
     
     
       19. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein cell transfer is carried out in vitro.